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4th November 2014, Tuesday
1 INTRODUCTION &
BACKGROUND
The format for the day included:
The official opening ceremony
speeches by:
o James Nxumalo, Mayor of
Durban eThekwini
Municipality, South Africa
o Jean Pierre Lecomte,
President of AIVP, France
o Tau Morwe, Chief Executive
Officer of Transnet National
Ports Authority, South Africa
o Lindokuhle Mkhize, Manager
of Port Planning and
Development Infrastructure
Department, Transnet
National Ports Authority,
South Africa
Two key note speeches by:
o Professor Carlos Moreno,
Scientific Advisor of the
President of Cofely Ineo from
GDF Suez Group, France. Title:
The smart port city:
reconciling the ambitions of
the city and the port.
o Markus Wissman, Head of
Smart + Connected
Communities Europe, Middle
East, Africa and Russia Cisco
Systems. Title: The internet of
everything transforms
Hamburg into a smart city.
Three plenary sessions:
o Session 1 – Building a smart
port city for today and
tomorrow
o Session 2 – Tools and good
practices to build the smart
port city
o Session 3 – Durban, a
competitive port and a
dynamic city in the Indian
Ocean
2 OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY
SPEECHES
Speaker: James Nxumalo, Mayor of
Durban eThekwini Municipality, South
Africa
James Nxumalo, Durban’s city mayor,
welcomed all to the 14th International Ports
and Cities conference, held for the first time in
South Africa, in the city of Durban. The theme
of this year’s conference is: Smart Port Cities
and speaks to the cooperation and
collaboration required for all port cities to
meet the demands of global economic
development.
For Durban, as a port city, the potential for
South Africa’s ocean economy, has been
initiated through Operation Phakisa, which will
help government to reach a 5% economic
growth by 2019. The Port of Durban is South
Africa’s busiest port, generating 60% of the
countries revenue. Operation Phakisa, coupled
with the port expansion project with Transnet,
positions Durban strategically to be
beneficiaries of the Blue Economy. In addition,
South Africa is ideally positioned to place
Durban on the map as a gateway port to both
SADAC countries and the global trade route.
There are opportunities in Africa’s offshore oil
and gas industry, and maritime manufacturing,
which will allow small and medium enterprises
to assume their rightful role in the countries
job creation process.
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Speaker: Jean Pierre Lecomte, President of
AIVP, France
AIVP welcomed everyone to the 14th
International Ports and Cities Conference, and
thanked all involved in making the conference
happen. Special thanks was given to eThekwini
Municipality, Transnet, the KwaZulu-Natal
province, the Indian Ocean Observatory, and
all other sponsors.
Over 40 countries and 100 port cities were
represented at the conference, coming
together to share knowledge and experience
of living and working in a port city. This is the
second time a conference has been held in
Africa, with Dakar, Senegal hosting the event in
1995. The AIVP network in Africa has expanded
considerably, with 16 African and Indian Ocean
countries as members. Durban joined in 1998,
and three years ago submitted a proposal to
host this conference, which they won. “We are
all very happy to discover and visit your port
and city.”
The questions of this conference was how we
can ensure sustainability in port cities, while
addressing climate and pollution challenges.
AIVP believes that we already have part of the
answer, and through collaboration with ports
and cities, can showcase innovations that are
already being implemented, that can promote
sustainability, job creation and improve quality
of life for all, while ensuring economic growth.
Technology is one aspect of innovative
solutions, and we look forward to sharing
these ideas and plans with all members
present.
Speaker: Tau Morwe, Chief Executive
Officer of Transnet National Ports
Authority, South Africa
Tau Morwe from Transnet, as a partner in this
AIVP conference event, welcomed all guests.
The National Ports Authority, is one entity
within Transnet, and through market
demands, Transnet is in a seven year period of
spending billions of Rands on new
infrastructure to improve both rail and port
activities.
Creating sustainable relationships with cities in
which Transnet operates and in communities
where they are based, is a key priority for the
National Ports Authority. In terms of the
National Ports Act, a responsibility is to ensure
transformation in the port sector, and to open
up the ports to sections of the community that
were historically limited from participating in
port activities.
Transnet is proud to be associated with the
conference, and hope that its members from
the Authority, use the conference as a learning
platform to understand the role of ports, as
regards to the communities and cities in which
they operate.
On behalf of Transnet, Morwe, welcomes all
and invites them to enjoy the warmth of
Durban city.
Speaker: Lindokuhle Mkhize, Manager of
Port Planning and Development
Infrastructure Department, Transnet
National Ports Authority, South Africa
A port is a masterpiece of engineering, and
should be able to stand the test of time – to be
flexible enough to allow future generations to
adapt it to meet their future needs. There are
of course many drivers, barriers and enigmas
to adaptability and flexibility when trying to
achieve one city vision. For Transnet, a
transport company with five operating
divisions, a key focus in achieving this vision is
the delivery of integrated services. The core
vision is to create a system of ports, seamlessly
integrated in the logistics networking that is
jointly and individually self-sustainable
through delivery. One important way of doing
this is to ensure that both the city and the port
works together to create a common vision,
with tangible projects that have milestones
that can be tracked.
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Although security is a real concern for the port,
the People’s Port concept is an initiative that
seeks to make the port more accessible to the
common man, so that they can enjoy the port
for both business and leisure. Port integration
is necessary. Walk-in centres, within the
boundaries of the port, bring the port to the
people – which is essential from an education
perspective, in that careers related to this area
of study must be promoted and encouraged.
Durban, as a leading port in South Africa, has
worked closely with the community to make
the port a public space, which can been seen in
our Wilson Wharf precinct.
In addressing climate change, Transnet is
looking to ensure that its infrastructure can
withstand climate change predicted, and
whether these structures are indeed suitable –
and if not, how to make them flexible and
adaptable. This flexibility speaks to ensuring
that future generations are able to adapt to
meet their own needs.
In short, Transnet wants to ensure that they
facilitate trade within ports, creating new
business opportunities and promoting
economic growth. Job creation is key to
alleviating poverty in an economic downturn,
and Transnet believes that innovative solutions
are requires as, one “can’t be in today’s job,
with yesterday’s method, for tomorrow’s
business.”
KEY FINDINGS OF THE PRESENTATIONS
There are opportunities in Africa’s
offshore oil and gas industry, and
maritime manufacturing, which will
allow small and medium enterprises to
assume their rightful role in the
countries job creation process.
Access to education in the maritime
sectors is vital for South Africa to
develop their maritime industry in a
positive and sustainable way – a skilled
workforce is the backbone of this
industry.
Collaboration between ports and cities
is crucial – citizens of a port city must
be included in port planning in order to
foster good relations and a learning
experience.
When designing a port city strategy, it
must be flexible enough to allow for
future generations to adapt the plans
to their own needs.
3 KEY NOTE SPEECHES
Two key note speakers addressed the
audience, promoting the idea of a smart city
concept, for the first time on a public platform.
A roundtable discussion followed the key note
speeches, addressing areas of interest and
concern.
Speaker: Professor Carlos Moreno,
Scientific Advisor of the President of Cofely
Ineo from GDF Suez Group, France
Title: The smart port city: reconciling the
ambitions of the city and the port
A smart port city is made up of geographical,
cultural, economic and social spaces. Through
utilizing urban intelligence, smart cities can be
created that improve the quality of life for
those who live there because urban
intelligence lives through its citizens (not
software, computers or maths formulae). The
city is a place in which public and private
spaces are shared. Maritime space is one of the
important spaces in a port city – they are links
between coastal and inland spaces. Port cities
are not homogenous; they are varied and face
their own challenges. There are some
similarities, but these must be understood in
its own context, when designing interventions
and solutions.
A city is a holistic entity that is impacted upon
by many external and internal factors. Smart
cities are aware of these challenges, and learn
from others who have managed to address
these issues. There are three main areas that
need to be considered: social inclusion,
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technology, and urban intelligence. How can
cities harness their natural environment for
energy (land, sea, wind) and protect the
environment? What is urban life in light of
technology and how do citizens use it to
address the five main challenges: social,
cultural, economic, resilience, and ecological?
We need to be a “human” city for ourselves
and future generations.
Speaker: Markus Wissman, Head of Smart
+ Connected Communities Europe, Middle
East, Africa and Russia Cisco Systems
Title: The internet of everything
transforms Hamburg into a smart city
Seven years ago, the city of Hamburg started
to look at how they could create smart and
connected communities, and in the last two
years, identified the need for the internet of
everything, which has had a huge impact on
cities today. The aim was to use the internet of
everything to address challenges facing cities,
such as social demographics, the environment
and the economy. As cities continue to grow,
700 million will be urbanised in 10 years; cities
will face many challenges in coping with their
expansion.
Currently, half of the population is connected
to the internet, with an anticipated 13.5 billion
devices connected in the next few years. By
2020, 50 billion devices will be connected (and
not just computers and cell phones). This
results in a massive increase of data – the
question is: what do we do with it all? With
analytics, this data can be turned into
information and intelligence helping us to
make better decisions, be more productive,
plan better and give us a more enriching
experience. A smart city builds a digital
architecture on top of its physical architecture.
If everything is connected to one
infrastructure, it can introduce multiple
vertical solutions that removes the penchant
of multiple departments working in silo.
Intelligent design is aware of its environment
and lets the user know what to do, for
example, in a congested city, a parking
application linked to the central system, can let
a driver locate a vacant parking.
This has been the experience in Hamburg; the
creation of one common infrastructure that
connects all aspects of the city, on a wireless
nexus. This includes waste bin collection to
traffic lights and security cameras, helping to
reduce traffic, increase parking revenue, and
improve security. A smart city requires
visionary leadership, global open standards,
smart regulations, public-private partnerships
and new ecosystems that include government.
KEY FINDINGS OF THE PRESENTATIONS
Urban intelligence, as provided by
involved citizens, is vital in the creation
of a smart port. Challenges must be
considered (social, cultural, economic,
resilience and ecological), and urban
intelligence be used to address these
challenges.
A smart city requires one intelligent
operating system that connects all
facets of city life, as this ensures
cohesion, with the added benefit of
recouping lost revenue. The
importance of the internet and
connectivity in the building of a smart
city, cannot be discounted.
4 PLENARY SESSION ONE –
BUILDING A SMART PORT CITY
FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW
The aim of the plenary session was to discuss
the concepts and ideas raised by the key note
speakers. The panel comprised of:
Edouard PHILIPPE, Maire, Mairie du
Havre, France
Carlos Moreno, Conseiller Scientifique
du President, Cofely INEO – GDF Suez,
France
Markus Wissman, Head of Smart +
Connected Communities Europe,
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Middle East, Africa and Russia Cisco
Systems
Rigobert Ikambouayat Deka, Directeur
General, Office Des Ports Et Rades Du
Gabon, Gabon (represented by a
colleague)
Vojko Obersnel, Mayor, Rijeka City,
Croatia
Moshe Motlohi, Port Manager, Port of
Durban, Transnet National Ports
Authority, South Africa
The session was led by Edouard PHILIPPE
mayor of the City of Le Havre, France.Philippe led the discussion by noting that
a smart city has a high quality of life, is open
and efficient in the way it deals with the
exchanges on a local and global level and
has a port that is open to citizens to enjoy.
Challenges experienced by port cities include
issues of climate change and increasing
urbanisation, and it must be noted that we do
have the tools that help to reorganise the city
to respond to all eventualities. A city that is
connected means that people are always
looking to each other and brings accountability
into daily living. The aim is to create a smart
city that is not a danger to the freedom and
liberty to its inhabitants.
THEMES EMERGING FROM THE QUESTION
AND ANSWER SESSIONS
Smart cities: What is a smart port city and do
port cities have specific benefits, assets,
challenges than other cities?
Moreno stated that the container trade goes
through port cities, so it is an economical
notion that is at the heart of port cities. A smart
city is not simply a marketing concept – it must
be a real transformation. There is no one
model of a port city – some are situated in the
heart of the city, while others lie on the
outskirts. Each is adaptable and must be
reinvented through redevelopment. A big
challenge is governance and the division
between the port and the city itself. Now there
is an opportunity to mix the two to bring about
real transformation.
For Obersnel, the relationship between the
port and the city is important. The port activity
in Rijeka is one of the most important
economic activities of the city. Due to
globalisation and IT technology, there is little
choice but to redevelop. For a country like
Croatia, local self-governance does not have
any direct influence on the port. The port is
usually managed by the state agency who gives
concessions to operators. However, if all
stakeholders understand that they are all
working towards the same goal, these issues
can be resolved. The port does have good
relationships with the port authority and have
started many projects together. One can’t
develop a smart city, with good public
transport, parking and all the other elements
mentioned, if the port is not included in all
these activities. All mayors of port cities should
acknowledge that the port has important
economic benefits, and there is need to find a
way to live in, cooperate with, and develop the
city together.
Would you say that Rijeka is ahead of other
cities in Croatia because it is a port city?
Obersnel would not confirm that to be true,
but stated that Rijeka is the biggest port city in
Croatia and is used for the whole south-east of
Europe. The port is a leader when the
implementation of new technology, such as IT,
in concerned.
What are the different steps required when
managing a port in terms of smart services,
such as traffic control, regulation of access to
the point, relations with the citizens?
In the case of South Africa, Motlohi mentioned
that one cannot ignore the historical context
that the current port authority inherited. For
South Africa, before the concept of smart cities
can be adopted, the issue of stakeholders must
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be addressed – there are many with varying
interests and expectations. Transnet has to
find ways to help businesses in the port by
taking them into the future of a smart port.
Strong partnerships between neighbouring
ports is vital. South Africa cannot move ahead
developmentally while leaving neighbouring
African ports behind – as that will impact on
service delivery. Other issues to consider are
the fears that some may have at a smart port –
will automation of services lead to job losses?
Additionally, while South Africa is on par with
other international cities in terms of
technology, there is no doubt that it falls
behind in many respects.
The representative of Libreville believed that
West Africa shares the vision of a smart port
and smart city, but it will be difficult to
implement. A common vision is required that
combine both urban and port policies that are
integrated through a consultative process.
Currently, Libreville port has a recreational
centre that was built without consultation with
the municipality or the citizens. In fact, the port
itself was not consulted, and views were not
expressed. This was done from a top-down
approach. In order to implement a smart city
concept, there needs to be a common vision in
the way that both port and city are managed.
Does smart city development and the opening
of ports, rely on the development of new
technology, by increasing the accessibility to
ports? Or perhaps with the digitalisation of
our world, we are putting up even bigger
walls?
Wissman felt that from a citizens’ perspective,
increasing access to the port needs to be done
to some extent. In Hamburg, citizen services to
attract tourists and citizens was good for
awareness of the port. From a technology
point of view, solutions – called augmented
reality, can be applied (for example by placing
an iPad near a ship, the ships information is
transmitted straight to the iPad). There are
multiple technologies in ports that increase the
experience for tourists and citizens. In
Hamburg this is the case, a digital signage wall
was implemented when the Queen Mary
arrived, allowing citizens to welcome the
vessel and passengers. It increases citizens
experience of the port, therefore, technology
is an enabler.
Would one of you want to comment on the
increasing isolation of the ports in light of
technology?
The representative from Libreville
acknowledged that technology is vital – in
some ports there is a system and that is useful
for the population because amongst the
population there are tourists, fisher men and
women and the port can identity what is
occurring on the maritime route. The system
allows the port to assist these citizens where
necessary (e.g. when stranded out at sea). This
creates a link between the population and the
port. For many citizens, the port is a closed
entity, through technology, the port is opened
to them and involves them in various activities
that generate an understanding of the port and
its activities.
Moreno noted that globalisation and
urbanisation of life has led to an increase in
security, on a global scale. IT has accelerated
security – there is a movement to secure
spaces and in this century there is an
opportunity to have a “melting pot”, even if
there is a physical barrier, and there is an
opportunity to meet together, to have a citizen
vision. The participation of citizens in port
activities is important, so that there is pride in
cultural heritage.
How can we have a port that is active and has
involved citizens?
Moreno noted that there must be
consolidation of various aspects, tourism,
economics, culture, etc. This can happen
through information exchange and through
the addressing the youth, who carry the
change for the next ten years or so. There
should be place to exchange information
beyond election campaigns, communicate as a
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population and introduce technologies in a
conscious manner.
What are your expectations from the
implementation of a smart port city, and what
is the main component to consider for this
implementation?
For Obersnel, cooperating and solutions are
key. The implementation of a system to
develop a smart city and port must involve all
activities on which the port influences the city.
One of the biggest problems is security,
including the security of free access into the
port. A solutions may be to organise specific
open days of the port for citizens and tourists.
In South Africa, a shared vision is vital in order
to embrace the idea of a smart city and a smart
port, using the technology and infrastructure
that is currently available (such as Facebook
and Twitter). The various stakeholders should
also be open to others who bring new systems
to the interface. Crucially, for South Africa,
how does it obtain the architecture of the IT
system that allows ports and cities to interface
in this way? Citizens should understand, even
though living in the hinterland, that a port city
is important and offers benefits for all. In
addition, port cities often deal with the brunt
of port city challenges (such as traffic
congestion), that other cities do not deal with.
Where does each port city start with this
process?
Africa is not in the same stage of development
as other port cities in the world. There must be
other solutions, such as committees who try to
work with the harbour on problems at the
front of the port. First, there needs to be
community dialogue that addresses challenges
faced, then technology can be brought into the
picture. Right now, good governance is a
priority over technology once that has been
achieved, a smart port city can follow.
KEY FINDINGS OF THE PLENARY SESSION
Port cities are not homogenous – each
has an individual context that must be
considered. Some are at more
advanced stages, whilst others are at
the stage of laying a foundation for a
future smart port city.
A shared vision is essential between all
stakeholders from ports to
municipalities, citizens to tourists.
Technology is an essential component
of creating a working smart port city
environment. Technology allows the
integration of many elements into one
system – reducing the silo effect that
seems to dominate so many working
environments.
While the intention of a smart port city
is to include the citizens, the issue of
security of a port must still be
acknowledged and solutions found
that allow for both public and private
access.
5 PLENARY SESSION TWO: TOOLS
AND GOOD PRACTICES TO BUILD
THE SMART PORT CITY
Objective of the plenary session was to give the
floor to speakers for seven minutes to share
with the audience a concrete experience linked
to the theme Smart Port Cities.
The session was led by Olivier Lemaire, General
Manger AIVP, France.
Speaker: Jin Yu, Deputy Director of
Transportation Planning Division, Ningbo
Municipal Port Administration Bureau,
Ningbo, China
Title: The smart supply chain management
system in Ningbo Port
Ningbobo Port is one of the top ten ports in the
world. In order to improve operational
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efficiencies, the port began to invest in a smart
port approach. In 2005, the Ningbo E-Port was
constructed, covering all procedures, such as
inspection, declaration, insurance, invoicing
and online inspection declaration. Both
imported and exported goods can be cleared
on the E-Port. Ningbo Port EDI centre platform
was upgraded in 2007 and the procession
production management system was
operating successfully.
The automatic identification system, with the
application of GPS technology, make the port
production scheduling management and
monitoring visualisation. Ningbo Port had also
constructed a collaborative business operation
system that provides a unified collaboration
business platform for related companies, and
greatly strengthens the communication and
collaboration with various business units,
which improves work efficiency. By 2010, the
4PL market was built, which is the first e-
commerce company in the logistics industry of
China.
Speaker: Hele-Mai Metsal, Head of
Infrastructure Development Department,
Port of Tallinn, Estonia
Title: Smart port in Port of Tallinn
The focus on the presentation was on the
smart innovations in the management of
passenger flows. It was a complex project
launched in 2014. The Old City Harbour in the
Port of Tallinn is the main gateway to Estonia
and Tallinn. It is a terminal for both passenger
and cargo vessels – in 2013, 9.2 million
passengers came into the port, and this is set
to rise. This meant that the port had to come
up with solutions to manage traffic congestion.
With the initiation of the Smart Port project, a
key deliverable is the implementation of a new
electronic multipurpose check-in system for
both passenger cars and cargo trucks. There
are currently four operations working out of
two terminals in the harbour. Each have their
own check-in procedures and kiosks that
impacts on making the passenger experience
more friendly and expedient. Additionally, the
port has a lack of space and has to find ways to
expand, so have chosen to expand vertically,
rather than horizontally. The intention of the
Smart Port project is to make the port
experience better for all stakeholders involved
in port activities (from passenger to cargo) by
ensuring that all systems connect and cross
over for better use, and by maximising on
existing resources.
Speaker: Jari Huhtaniemi, Architect – City
Planning Department, West Harbour
Project, Helsinki, Finland
Title: Helsinki, smart solutions for an urban
passenger port
Huhtaniemi is from the City Planning
Department and works in close cooperation
with the Port of Helsinki. The question
emerged as to what the port wanted to
achieve, in terms of smart solutions for urban
passengers; they wanted to change user
behaviour in the existing urban infrastructure.
The cargo harbour was relocated to the east,
so that it would be nearer to the city centre. In
2030, they estimate that as many as 10 million
passengers will come through this new
residential area. City infrastructure is limited
due to a lack of space, so the question is: how
can the smart port city change passenger
behaviour, rather than alter infrastructure?
The answer may lie in less vehicles being
brought into the new residential area. Can the
sharing of public transport, shared cars and
bikes, be the key to an increase in passengers?
An upcoming study will focus on the Baltic Sea
region and will investigate whether this can
become a common place to market together,
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creating a common user-face, regarding sea
travel. Additionally, it is possible to reroute
freight traffic, so that it does not interfere with
passenger routes and the city centre? The
controlling of traffic, to and from the port, is
being investigated and through the use of
technology, the potential to rule port traffic,
rather than be ruled by it, is on the cards. By
changing human behaviour, the smart port city
can adapt to a limited infrastructure.
Speaker: Simon Carpenter (replaced
Barbara Fluegge), SAP, Switzerland
Title: Digitalising a port city’s ecosystem –
game changing on a global scale
As the population continues to grow, trade and
consumption will increase. The workforce is set
to change, and through the interconnectivity
of social media, the world and its inhabitants
are constantly under surveillance. There has
never been a better time to use technology to
develop smart cities and smart port cities.
Sharing and collaborating are necessary, and
allow a new and innovative ideas to emerge
that can serve a multitude of stakeholders.
The port is the anchor tenant of any large
information system that can be used to attract
major players, and connect them to each
other. The intention is to take in data from as
many different sources as possible (weather,
traffic flow, etc.) and feed it back to people as
real-time information (on tablets, cell phone
applications, etc.), that aids in creating more
streamlined and interdependent systems. In
Hamburg, the port tries to connect every mode
of transport, in and out of the harbour. This
reduces fuel bills, creates less congestion and
provides a better experience for all. In order to
make this happen, information was gathered
from various sources, pulled into the “cloud”,
where registered players can access the
information on their mobile devices.
The port taking the initiative to drive this
project has reached out to all stakeholders to
join in and participate, as generators or
consumers of data. It is in everyone’s interest
to join in – regardless of the level they are
playing at.
Speaker: Annik Dirkx, Spokeswoman, Port
of Antwerp, Belgium
Title: The Port of Antwerp application
In response to security concerns that were
having a negative impact on the experiences of
citizens to the Port of Antwerp, the port
designed an application that can be
downloaded onto phones and other interfaces.
The application is an interactive platform for
interested citizens who would like to learn
about, and explore, the Port of Antwerp. The
application contains information on the port
itself, has a quiz to challenge people to show
their knowledge of the port, whilst also
increasing knowledge, and gives visitors
various route options, should the choose to
walk, bike, or drive around the port. Through
user interaction, the application is constantly
developing to create a better user experience.
The creation of the application cost around
60 000 euros.
Speaker: Simon Bosschieter, Managing
Director, Holland Container Innovations
Nederland B.V, Netherlands
Title: Folding containers, an economic and
environmental plus
The presentation showcased the innovative
design of a new collapsible shipping container
that should solve space issues experienced at
ports around the world. It is the first certifiable,
foldable container, which mimics the exact
proportions and strength of a traditional
container. In light of the fact that almost 20%
of shipping is in fact air (and can be up to 40%
inland), there is need for a collapsible
container that can be folded down when
empty. Stacked on top of each other, four
containers will take up the space of one
traditional container. The foldable container
can create up to 50% saving on transportation
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in the hinterland, and reduce the C02 footprint
by 15%.
Speaker: Annekatrien Verdickt, Architecte,
Tetra Architecten BVBA, Belgique
Title: “Material flows” – combine recycling
and a logistics hub with urban integration
Many port cities in the world, have
experienced diminishing economic activities,
and in some cases, port territories are
converted into new city districts. This has not
been the case in Brussels, where the changing
of the areas around the waterways, has in fact
not led to reduced economic activities.
The Material Flows project, has built a visitors
centre in one of the ports, located at the point
where the city meets the port zone. In
Brussels, however, the canal goes through the
city – so the area in which building it taking
place, is right in the middle of the city. It is a
very advantageous location, and public opinion
enabled the project to go ahead. There is a
park, and businesses dealing with construction
materials, around the canal. The project was
conceptualised by obtaining all the building
materials from the maritime way. Waste is
brought back to the village and given in for
recycling – a new ecological system was
implemented in Brussels. Innovative design
was also used in the building of the roof, to
create an ecological system. It generates solar
electricity that is used for the vehicles and
fleets, and any surplus is used by the city.
Water collection allows the project to supply
their own water for agriculture, and natural air
vents are used in the architecture. All of these
innovative designs have led the project to win
an international prize for sustainable
development.
QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION
With regards to SAP, in the African
environment, are there windows that will
enable us to orient African ports and cities
through the experience that Mr Carpenter
spoke about in Hamburg.
SAP is very active on the African continent; in
South Africa, Cape Town, Johannesburg, and
Tshwane all run on aspects of SAP. The
company works closely with Transnet, who
also use SAP. In Africa, SAP are currently
focused on getting rid of the friction that
emerges around infrastructure and logistics,
and are focusing on infrastructure, on public
sector environment, banking and natural
resources.
KEY FINDINGS OF THE PLENARY SESSION
Smart port cities don’t only need new
infrastructure and technology, they
should maximise on existing resources
to initiate change and development.
Changing human behaviour is the key
factor to smart cities and ports that are
limited by space and infrastructure
constraints.
Using intelligence captured from
various sources, it is possible to create
one streamlined system that benefits
all players.
6 PLENARY SESSION THREE:
DURBAN, A COMPETITIVE PORT
AND A DYNAMIC CITY IN THE
INDIAN OCEAN
The third plenary session was dedicated to
Durban and the Indian Ocean Zone.
The session was led by Annick Miquel,
Directeur General, Observatoire Villes Ports
Ocean Indien, France.
Speaker: Antoine van Iseghem, Charge
d’études, Observatorie Villes Ports Ocean
Indien, France
11
Title: The dynamics at play in the Indian
Ocean in terms of projects linked to the
transformation of waterfronts situated at
the port/city interface
The issue of waterfronts and their relation to
port cities is the aim of this study being
undertaken at the Indian Ocean Observatory.
The goal of the study is to emphasise the
extension and displacement of ports, and to
look at the relationship between waterfronts
and ports, whilst reporting on impacts of
various port cities, and how they are related in
the Indian Ocean region. There are 18
waterfront redevelopment projects,
representing 10 port communities, in the
study. Half of these projects deal with the
reconversion of ports and will ultimately
change the nature of the port. In reality, some
of these developments are in actuality in
opposition to one another – depending on who
is doing the redevelopment (public or private
enterprises). A common strategy is therefore
required that combines all elements, whilst
addressing opposing views and opinions.
There are three models in the study area:
liberal, reasoned and recovering of existing
infrastructure. The liberal model strategy looks
at tourism and leisure activities as new income
for ports. The reasoned model looks at
integrating the site in the city in favour of the
local population, and the last model depends
on the port itself, is in favour of the local
population and seeks to attract visitors.
Speaker: Teresa Ganho Pereira de
Athayde, Charge d’études, Observatorie
Villes Ports Ocean Indien, France
Title: The tuna fishing industry in the
South-Western Indian Ocean – what
factors determine industry choice of port
communities?
This study was requested and approved in
general assembly by the members of the
Indian Ocean Observatory. The Indian Ocean is
home to large pelagic fish resources, and is the
least overexploited of the world’s oceans.
Pelagic fish supplies have great economic
importance, in particular for Indian Ocean
coastal countries. It provides food security and
economic development for poor port
communities.
Fishing activities in this region are conducted
by traditional multi-sector artisanal fishing, as
well as by local and foreign industrial fishing
vessels that use modern technologies. There is
often conflict between these actors. Artisanal
fisheries are often displaced by much larger
mechanised operations, as well as by illegal
fishing operations. Different economical
approaches need to be adopted by the various
actors. A number of models exist: subsistence,
predation, interdependence and symbiosis –
each implying different activity levels and
socio-economic benefits for port communities
of the region.
Port communities should expect an increase in
employment and artisanal skills, however
many don’t and won’t benefit due to a lack of
space and infrastructure to carry out services.
They need to work on these areas in order to
take full advantage. Additionally, they should
look into ship repair activities, as this has huge
economic potential and creates active
participation.
Speaker: Zeph Ndlovu, General Manager:
KZN Operations, Transnet, South Africa.
Title: Durban, a competitive port and a
dynamic city in the Indian Ocean
The ecosystem of co-existence that exists
between the South African government
Department of Enterprise, the province of
KwaZulu-Natal and Transnet, is very important.
The Port of Durban is incredibly busy, with
Maydon Wharf being the most competitively
active. Competitiveness is a result of desiring
to be the gateway capital for investment, and
economic development and growth is critical.
12
The port performs a specific function in
facilitating trade and boosting growth and
creates economic value that translates into
employment. By nature, ports are special
clusters for innovation, research and
development. The port needs to be flexible
with how it handles cargo, acts as an
intermodal form of transport, and deals with
globalisation, risk management, and cost
containment challenges. Transnet believes
that the Port of Durban is able to respond to
the challenges faced by many ports today, and
continues to work towards developing Durban
into a smart port city in the Indian Ocean.
Speaker: Paul Sessions, Transport
Economist, eThekwini Transport Authority,
South Africa
Title: eThekwini integrated freight and
logistics strategic framework and action
plan
Durban, as a major port in South Africa, faces
freight and logistics challenges that impact
upon the city of Durban. There is huge
movement of cargo between Durban and
Johannesburg, mostly travelling by the major
road networks. The city and the port have
grown together and rely on each other – 60%
of the city’s economy relies on the freight
economy, with 415 000 jobs deriving from
freight and logistics activity.
A major challenge for Durban is the road
congestion that is a direct result of freight
coming in and out of the harbour. Accidents
caused by trucks have both an impact on the
wellbeing of citizens, as well as negatively
impacting upon the economy. The central issue
behind this is that as the Port of Durban has
grown, the current capabilities and capacities
of services has not grown with it. In light of this
problem, a strategic framework and action
plan was developed to provide solutions. The
vision of eThekwini is that by 2030, Durban will
be Africa’s most caring and liveable city.
Therefore, the city must start responding to
the freight and logistics issues that plague the
city. Five key programmes have been designed
that focus on: infrastructure, operations, land-
use, policy and regulation, and support
programmes. By 2030, Durban wants to be the
freight and logistics gateway into southern
Africa, providing a world class service with the
least impact upon its citizens.
Speaker: Sanabelle Ebrahim and Mikhail
Peppas, Academic and Journalist with
Integrated World, South Africa
Title: Revitalising Durban’s Bayside
esplanade – port with a green heart
The intention of the Green Heart City
Movement is to revitalise the semi-used
Durban eco-scape; the gardens which run
alongside Margaret Mncadi Avenue that
overlooks the Port of Durban. Green Heart
Boulevard would provide citizens with a public
space on which to stroll or bike and enjoy the
many activities, such as artists, pavement
poets, and penny-whistle players. There is a
plan to construct a giant green heart sculpture
that would tower above the embankment, and
would be visible from sea and sky. As a
relatively unused public space, such a
redevelopment would attract both tourists and
locals to enjoy the good weather Durban
enjoys, and visit the Maritime Museum, the
yacht mole and Wilsons Wharf. Proposed
activations include adventure trips on the
narrow gauge railway line that feature art and
environmental workshops on the Fun Train, a
BayWide BookBarge, and SanKofa Book Bridge
spanning the city port.
THE QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSIONS
There was no time for a question and answer
session.
KEY FINDINGS OF THE PLENARY SESSION
Collaborative relationships are key to
ensuring sustainable and mutually
13
beneficial port city programmes and
projects.
Many port cities might have unused or
underutilised public spaces that can be
redeveloped to entice and include the
public into engaging more with port
life and activities.
Solutions to challenges, such as freight
and logistics, must be developed in
order to mitigate the impact of
transport congestion and road
accidents that are experienced due to
the increase in volume of port
transportation.
The importance of encouraging a
common port-city strategy cannot be
emphasised enough.
7 CONCLUSION
The 14th World Conference Ports and Cities
was held in Durban (eThekwini Municipality)
and was officially opened by the Mayor of
Durban, James Nxumalo. Mr Nxumalo
expressed the city’s enthusiasm at hosting the
conference, and at being able to participate in
such a learning and sharing experience. These
sentiments were echoed by the president of
AIVP, Jean Pierre Lecomte, by sharing the
vision of the organisation; to expand its
network and see more port cities benefiting
from its activities and shared knowledge.
Some key findings from the day, which were
shared across many of the presentations,
included:
Technology
A smart city requires one intelligent
operating system that connects all
facets of city life, as this ensures
cohesion, with the added benefit of
recouping lost revenue. The
importance of the internet and
connectivity in the building of a smart
city, cannot be discounted.
Trade/activities
There are opportunities in Africa’s
offshore oil and gas industry, and
maritime manufacturing, which will
allow small and medium enterprises to
assume their rightful role in the
countries job creation process.
Collaboration
Collaboration between ports and cities
is crucial – citizens of a port city must
be included in port planning in order to
foster good relations and a learning
experience. A shared vision is essential
between all stakeholders from ports to
municipalities, citizens to tourists.
Urban intelligence, as provided by
involved citizens, is vital in the creation
of a smart port. Challenges must be
considered (social, cultural, economic,
resilience and ecological), and urban
intelligence be used to address these
challenges.
Social
Access to education in the maritime
sectors is vital for South Africa to
develop their maritime industry in a
positive and sustainable way – a skilled
workforce is the backbone of this
industry.
While the intention of a smart port city
is to include the citizens, the issue of
security of a port must still be
acknowledged and solutions found
that allow for both public and private
access.
Changing human behaviour is the key
factor to smart cities and ports that are
limited by space and infrastructure
constraints.
Infrastructure/space
14
When designing a port city strategy, it
must be flexible enough to allow for
future generations to adapt the plans
to their own needs.
Smart port cities don’t only need new
infrastructure and technology, they
should maximise on existing resources
to initiate change and development.
Port cities are not homogenous – each
has an individual context that must be
considered. Some are at more
advanced stages, whilst others are at
the stage of laying a foundation for a
future smart port city.
Many port cities might have unused or
underutilised public spaces that can be
redeveloped to entice and include the
public into engaging more with port
life and activities.
Solutions to challenges, such as freight
and logistics, must be developed in
order to mitigate the impact of
transport congestion and road
accidents that are experienced due to
the increase in volume of port
transportation.
In closing, collaboration between all
stakeholders involved in port cities, is crucial
for smart port city initiatives to be truly
successful. Much can be learnt through
dialogue and the sharing of knowledge and
experience in port cities around the world.
While each port city has its own unique
context, many share similar experiences and
situations.